Consider that, today, more than 70% of Americans use social media—up from only 5% tallied in 2005, according to the Pew Research Center. A handful of key players in the space continue to rule. Social Media Examiner's "2017 Social Media Marketing Industry Report" revealed that the top platforms used by marketers are Facebook (94%), Twitter (68%), LinkedIn (56%), Instagram (54%), YouTube (45%), Pinterest (30%), and Snapchat (7%). So what's in stor for 2018?

Google Buys Nest for $3.2 Billion

Jan 13, 2014

If you needed further proof that the Internet of Things is taking off, now you have it. Google bought Nest Labs, maker of the Nest Learning Thermostat and Protect smoke detector, for a whopping $3.2 billion on January 13, 2014.

Tony Fadell, CEO and founder of Nest, announced the acquisition on the company blog. He wrote, "Google will help us fully realize our vision of the conscious home and allow us to change the world faster than we ever could if we continued to go it alone. We've had great momentum, but this is a rocket ship."

Google also issued a press release. It says, "Nest will continue to operate under the leadership of Tony Fadell and with its own distinct brand identity. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the US. It is expected to close in the next few months."